Basilicata Region
The Lucanian territory offers itineraries suitable for all types of cyclists, as its roads are safe and sheltered from traffic hazards. Cycling paths vary in difficulty levels, ranging from simpler routes along the Metapontine coast or around Matera and Vulture, to more challenging ones for those who wish to conquer the Pollino, the Lucanian Dolomites, or Sirino on two wheels. Moreover, these routes allow travelers to explore the region’s most interesting locations in a sustainable manner.
To enhance the cycling experience, dedicated activities have been introduced, primarily through the ‘Basilicata Free to Move‘ app. Available in three languages (English, French, and German) and featuring 21 itineraries with GPX tracks, the app covers 81 villages and 124 points of interest, some of which can only be reached on foot or by bike. The app also encourages tourists to discover picturesque spots and historical-artistic treasures, providing useful tips, highlighting outdoor activities, cycle shops, specialized stores, bike-friendly hotels, and traditional restaurants, as well as camper areas and, soon, drinking water fountains.
Additionally, the app gained recognition through the format ‘Basilicata Bike – Cultural Tourism is Green Tourism,’ which was selected by the European Commission for European Green Week (May 31-June 4, 2021). It involved a group of cyclists, accompanied by cycling celebrity Alessandro Ballan and a SportItalia TV crew, embarking on a multi-stage bike tour from Pollino National Park to Matera. An innovative tourism signage system is also being implemented to better identify the routes.